Land expropriation: AfriForum attack the policy, say it “threatens investment”

The civil rights group don't see what land reform brings to the table

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA  JANUARY 31: Former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocate Gerrie Nel and AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel during a media briefing to announce Nels resignation from the NPA on January 31, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The group, which fight legal cases and act in the interests of “Afrikaner rights”, have claimed that this version of land reform is a threat to property owners and foreign investors in South Africa.

How will AfriForum protest land expropriation?

They are now launching a campaign to lobby foreign embassies and trade partners, warning them that the expropriation of land is an unsafe path that will lead to “another version of Zimbabwe” – a phrase you’ll be hearing a lot whilst this all unfolds.

Kallie Kriel is AfriForum’s CEO. He said that the group are ready to canvas the World Economic Forum about their South African investments, should government follow through with the proposal:

“Although this will be a drastic step, it will be a necessary last resort to prevent that the South African government – through the disregard of property rights – destroys the country’s economy to the disadvantage of all in the country.”

“As a responsible organisation, AfriForum must do everything possible to prevent South Africa becoming a second Zimbabwe, that is plunged into poverty, through the disregard of property rights.”

“Conflict is not in anyone’s interest and therefore AfriForum will do everything possible to mobilise international pressure to thusly prevent the violation of property rights.”

Critics of land reform

AfriForum finished their statement by saying that critics “shouldn’t shoot the messenger” because they don’t like the message. They feel this action violates the property rights of land-owning South Africans.

On Tuesday, Parliament took the historic step to pursue redistribution for the first time in 24 years of democracy. Those displaced during apartheid will now stand a chance of getting their land back.

It has its critics, and it could indeed be trouble for South Africa is it’s not done properly, but for radical economic transformation to happen, something drastic has to change.